H.227 is a bill introduced to establish a residential peer respite facility in southern Vermont aimed at providing support and services to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. The bill outlines the intent of the General Assembly to increase the number of psychiatric residential beds overseen by the Department of Mental Health from four to six, thereby allowing for greater diversion of individuals in crisis from inpatient psychiatric settings. It emphasizes the importance of providing adequate residential alternatives to hospitalization, expanding peer-supported programming, and ultimately reducing the costs associated with hospitalization for both the state and individuals in crisis.

The bill mandates the Department of Mental Health to issue a request for proposals to establish a two-bed residential peer respite facility, with specific requirements for bed reservations for varying lengths of stay. Additionally, it appropriates $515,000 from the General Fund for fiscal year 2026 to support the establishment and operation of this facility. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, marking a significant step towards enhancing mental health crisis support in Vermont.